Sunlight filtered down through the upper tunnel shafts as worker ants carved new routes, pickaxes striking packed earth in a steady rhythm. Fine grit fell from the ceiling in loose streams.
Farther below, heavier clanks echoed from the prison levels, slower and uneven, where restrained workers dug under constant supervision. Wardens stood along the excavation paths, armored feet set wide.
In the colony's grand meeting chamber, Queen Celeste sat upon her elevated throne, her dark eyes held forward without movement. To her right stood Lieutenant Tavian and Sergeant Samuel, both upright, shoulders squared, their stance unchanged.
The semicircle of elder ants shifted along the chamber's edge, the low sound of chitin against stone accompanying their subdued murmurs as they rose and fell. Commander Valeria and Ari stood side by side before the throne, their spacing precise, their posture held.
Luminara stood several paces ahead of the semicircle, positioned between her two guardians. Ignatia and Seraphina flanked her on either side, wings drawn in close, their attention fixed forward. Nytheris remained behind them, partially set apart, his black wings folded tight against his back as he watched the chamber in silence.
Moisture clung to the earthen walls, the air carrying the dense scent of the lower tunnels. Bioluminescent fungi along the supports cast a steady, muted light across the chamber. Queen Celeste raised her hand, the motion small but deliberate. The murmurs along the chamber's edge ceased.
"Let our meeting commence."
Her hand lowered to the arm of the throne. Her gaze moved across the gathered figures without pause.
"Our foremost priority is the elimination of Magnus and any remaining Moths that obstruct us."
A brief silence followed, broken only by the low hum of the fungi lining the supports.
"Our secondary objective is the retrieval of the Moonveil Blossom."
Valeria stepped forward, her armored feet striking the floor in heavy, even beats. She stopped and drew in a deep breath, her shoulders settling as her voice carried low and steady.
"I'll be transparent, my Queen."
Her chest rose once, then fell.
"Even with the treaty in place, the Moths still hold the advantage in the air. They outnumber the Butterflies, and that gives them control we can't match. Our forces are grounded, and that limits us."
She crossed her arms, the plates along her forearms pressing together.
"So even with this alliance, we should expect resistance. This won't be easy."
Ignatia's gaze shifted to Valeria, her crimson eyes steady, before returning to the Queen. Her indigo wings drew in slightly as her posture straightened.
"There is a solution."
A brief pause followed as her antennae angled forward.
"The Butterflies and Ants can coordinate in a way that forces the Moths out of the air. If their defensive movement is broken, they will be driven low enough for ground units to engage."
She stepped forward a fraction, the dark purple plates along her legs settling as she stopped.
"I will take responsibility for the formations."
Queen Celeste inclined her head slightly, the motion precise. Her dark eyes shifted from Ignatia to Valeria and held there.
"Very well. I will leave the formation to you both."
Seraphina's shoulders dipped as she let out a small yawn, her orange and black wings shifting before settling close against her back.
"Daylight dulls the Moth's techniques, but it doesn't make them completely powerless. In the dark of their caves, they still function well enough."
Her blue eyes opened fully as her head lifted.
"Their abilities aren't especially impressive."
A brief pause followed, her gaze moving along the chamber.
"Still, it would be unwise to ignore them.They release a black mist formed from wing dust. Prolonged exposure causes hallucinations.They also fire barbed quills from their wings. Crude, but effective... Much like those mandibles your soldiers use."
Luminara remained where she stood, white wings folded neatly against her back. The green cloth resting over her eyes did not shift as her voice carried across the chamber.
"The Moths are highly sensitive to direct sunlight."
Her hands rested still at her sides, fingers relaxed against the smooth white plating of her exoskeleton.
"Extended exposure weakens them and places them in a dulled, suggestible state."
The faint hum of the fungi filled the brief pause that followed.
"In this condition, they are far easier to subdue."
A faint shift passed through the semicircle of elders. Elder Junon straightened slightly, his antennae lifting as his gaze settled on Luminara.
"That information is… concerning."
He lowered his chin a fraction, the movement slow and deliberate. Several elders followed with measured nods, as they adjusted their seats. The low murmur that followed carried caution, but no dispute.
Ari listened to the exchange in silence, his attention fixed on the chamber. His eyes, however, remained aware of Nytheris's position behind the Monarchs, tracking him without turning his head. A faint tightening settled in his chest as Garren's words resurfaced.
The sound of the meeting faded, replaced by memory.
"That wretch… Nytheris has been acting strange lately."
Garren's hand loosened against the woven bedding, then held still.
"When my squad was ambushed by the Moths—when we were being killed—I caught sight of him."
His breathing slowed, forced into control.
"He was not fighting. He was positioned above us, watching. There was no urgency in his expression."
Garren's chest rose and fell unevenly, fatigue and restraint visible along his features.
"If he had intervened—if he had chosen to act—Loir, Grey, and Aris would still be alive."
His antennae trembled once near his dark hair before settling.
"Instead, he remained where he was and observed."
The low murmur of the council returned, sound filling the chamber once more. Ari's focus sharpened as the present reasserted itself. His gaze shifted again to Nytheris, an unfamiliar unease settled into his posture.
"We are speaking of two days."
Elder junon's gaze moved briefly across the chamber as he spoke before returning to the throne.
"How do we intend to locate Magnus within that time frame?"
Ignatia's crimson eyes remained steady, her brow relaxed and jaw firm. Her lips pressed together in controlled focus.
"I know the location of the Moths' main lair, the Hollow Foundry of Shadows. It is not far from our meadows."
Her gaze swept across the elders before returning to the Queen, unflinching.
"While engaging Magnus' forces, I observed Moths dispersing from a cave. Their movement confirmed the lair's proximity."
Her expression remained unreadable, eyes sharp. Queen Celeste lifted her hand, resting her chin lightly against her fingers, index tapping once between each thought. Her dark eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded Ignatia.
"I must commend you on your ability to gather such a vital piece of information, even while engaged with a Tyrant like Magnus."
She lowered her hand a fraction, lips pressed together in measured thought.
"Tell me…" Her gaze sharpened. "Reports suggest that you, Magnus, and your guardians were in combat. Ari's accounts indicate you were gravely wounded. Yet your exoskeleton shows no sign of decay. How is that possible?"
"I was never struck by his mandibles. I avoided them at all costs. I learnt of his... abilities prior to our encounter."
Ignatia gaze shifted deliberately to Luminara, indigo wings drawn close, she shifted her weight. Queen Celeste's eyes softened slightly, the tension in her brow easing. Her hand lowered from her chin, fingers resting lightly against the arm of the throne.
"Very well."
The elders exchanged glances as the discussion shifted toward deployment. One leaned forward slightly, hands resting against his knees.
"How should we go about selecting soldiers for a mission of this risk?"
A second elder adjusted his posture, fingers moving once through the hair along his chin.
"The danger level alone places it at sergeant grade, at minimum."
A brief sound cut through the chamber. The movement stopped. Several elders turned as one. Nytheris lowered his chin slightly, black wings drawing tight against his back. His weight shifted, the plates along his legs settling as his dark eyes moved across the semicircle.
"Forgive me for interrupting," he began, lips pressing together in a firm line. His antennae angled forward, attentive. "I wanted to share that I discovered another hideout south of the colony."
One of the elders' eyes widened as he leaned forward.
"What…?"
Another elder drew in a slow breath, lips pressed together, fingers tapping lightly against his knee.
"Are you saying there is more than one area?"
"Yes. I went out to patrol last night and discovered it."
He paused, dark eyes scanning the chamber, antennae lifting slightly.
"A few Moths were stationed there. I believe it could be their main lair, but that is not certain. After following a Moth, I discovered they were using the earthworms' burrow as a rendezvous point of some sort."
Queen Celeste rested her chin lightly on her fingers, dark eyes narrowing as she absorbed the information.
"So it all makes sense," she murmured. Her gaze swept over the council. "They were the ones who led the centipedes to the burrow to hunt the earthworms."
"I appreciate that information, Nytheris, however..."
Ignatia exhales. Her eyelids lower until the red of her eyes is hidden.
"There is limited time for us to reach that sector. It remains a low priority and will be addressed at a later time."
Nytheris inclined his head in a shallow bow, black hair slipping forward to partially obscure his face. His wings remained folded tight, posture otherwise unchanged.
"As you wish, my Monarch."
As he straightened, the light from the fungi caught briefly in his dark eyes. His gaze did not soften. One corner of his mouth lifted, subtle and fleeting, before his expression settled back into stillness.
Ari kept his gaze on Nytheris as a slight smile formed and held. His antennae remained still, posture unchanged as he observed the ease with which Nytheris settled back into place.
I didn't expect him to confirm it so eagerly...
The thought lingered as Ari's eyes followed the movement of Nytheris's wings folding close.
Does he believe he has already secured the outcome?
A calm certainty followed, steady and unforced.
Regardless, this places us on the correct path.
Ari shifted his attention to Ignatia. Their eyes met. She gave a single nod, controlled and deliberate, her expression firm, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them. Valeria stood firm, armored feet planted against the chamber floor.
"The decision has been made."
Her eyes moved briefly to Ari, then to Seraphina, before returning ahead.
"Lance Corporal Ari and Seraphina will lead this mission."
She paused, allowing the names to settle among the elders.
"Two Butterfly guards will accompany them. From our colony, three corporals, twelve lance corporals, and twenty privates."
Her jaw set, posture unchanged as she turn her gaze to Nytheris.
"You as well..."
Nytheris's eyes widened. His brows lifted as his head turned slightly toward Valeria. The fold of his black wings loosened, then drew back in tight against his exoskeleton. His lips parted, breath audible for a moment before he spoke.
"…That is all? For a threat as great as Magnus, this assembly is enough... not the mention the numerous amount of Moths under his command."
Seraphina's lips curved in a faint, quiet chuckle. Her blue eyes glinted as she fixed her gaze on Nytheris, one corner of her mouth lifting in a small, amused smirk.
"It baffles me that you think that. As if you could place me in the same category as you."
Her gaze sharpened, brows rising just enough to accentuate her expression.
"Are you a fool? Magnus would not sit idle while we act. He could strike the colony while we are away. Our backup must be stronger than the assault team."
Her eyes swept over him, the smirk never fading.
"I expected more competence...considering Ignatia is your Monarch."
Nytheris's jaw tightened, dark hair brushing his forehead. His fist clenched, fingers pressing against the hard surface of his palm but he said nothing .
A subtle shift passed through the chamber as Queen Celeste lifted a hand.
"And with that, the meeting is adjourned. Begin preparations for departure."
Ari straightened, armored feet pressing firmly against the floor. He inclined his head sharply in salute. Valeria mirrored the motion, shoulders squared, hand rising in a precise, controlled gesture.
Ari made his way toward his chambers, armored feet striking the dirt packed earth in a steady rhythm. The sound carried down the tunnels before fading behind him. As he drew closer, he lifted his head.
An ant stood near the entrance, body angled against the wall. Ari slowed, then came to a stop.
"Good…you're finally here."
The ant pushed away from the wall and stepped forward. His feet made a muted sound as they crossed the tunnel. His gaze lingered on Ari as he stopped in front of him. Brown hair fell back from his face, streaked with grey along the sides.
"Who… are you?"
Ari's steps shifted as he faced him fully. His gaze lingered, moving over the unfamiliar face.
"I am Sergeant Tatum. I serve in Lieutenant Brooks' personal platoon."
He stood straight as the words settled. One hand rested near the hilt at his side, fingers still.
"So Lieutenant Brooks sent you?"
Ari's shoulders settled as he spoke. His weight shifted back onto both feet, stance evening out.
"Yes."
Tatum drew one arm behind his back as he spoke. His stance remained composed.
"He instructed me to relay our findings before your departure."
A brief pause followed. The tunnel air felt still between them.
"Last night, a Butterfly left the colony. We were ordered to tail him."
His antennae adjusted once, then held.
"He attempted to gain altitude over the forest to lose us. That confirms our position has been compromised."
Butterfly…
Ari's eyes lowered slightly as the Sergeant's words settled. Garren's words surfaced in his memory. Nytheris had been the only one of them to leave the colony.
"He's a perceptive one, I'll give him that."
Tatum drew in a slow breath, chest rising under the exoskeleton. His shoulders relaxed briefly.
"However… we did confirm the area Lieutenant suspected. The Moonveil Blossom is being held there."
"So then the Lieutenant believes Nytheris has the Flower in his possession?"
"Yes. Based on the information the Monarchs provided, and your report, the Lieutenant believes he is responsible. That he hid it away. Magnus isn't truly in possession of the relic… not yet, at least."
That's it. The missing piece.
Ari's hand rose to his chin, fingers brushing against the edge of his jaw. He tilted his head slightly, antennae flexing with each thought.
The intelligence Nytheris provided at the meeting is either… one, random to cause confusion; two, meant to distract us from the obvious—that the Moths are at the southern craters, which is the most logical; or three, to divert attention from preventing Magnus from retrieving the Moonveil Blossom where Brooks confirmed it's hidden.
He shifted weight from one armored foot to the other.
Or… does Nytheris have his own ulterior motives for the Blossom?
Ari's gaze flicked toward the far wall, tracing the shadows cast by the dim lighting of the fungi.
Ignatia is right to assume the Hollow Foundry of Shadows is the main lair… but if we factor in that Nytheris betrayed the Butterflies, he might have passed information beforehand to the Moths, guiding them to the southern earthworm burrow.
Fingers tightened against his chin briefly before relaxing.
I'm not entirely sure he's gone rogue… but so far, his actions are suspicious.
"Brooks informed me to tell you to form a small retrieval squad to search for the Flower. Ensure they are people you trust."
Tatum turned, the exoskeleton along his shoulders glistened slightly as he walked away. Ari straightened, chest rising as he lifted one hand in salute.
"Thank you, Sergeant."
Later, Ari sat on his bed, woven from leaves and sticks, the surface rough beneath his armored legs.
Lily stepped into the chamber first, hands swaying lightly from side to side as she moved, antennae flicking with each step. Beatrice followed, expression unreadable, posture straight and still.
Rory leaned against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. Isla lingered just behind him, shifting her weight nervously, eyes scanning the chamber. Nova entered last, hesitating at the threshold. She kept her gaze lowered, moving with careful, measured steps.
"So… Ari, why'd you call for me? In your chamber no less—that's… straightforward of you."
Lily smiled as she stepped closer, leaning forward just slightly. Her antennae twitched once, a faint flick of amusement.
"Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your mission?"
"I would like to know why I'm here."
Beatrice stood straight, shoulders squared, gaze steady on Ari. There was a sharpness in her expression, but the corner of her mouth softened slightly, betraying a trace of curiosity beneath the calm exterior.
"A lot is happening, and I can't really wrap my head around it."
Rory ruffled his hair, fingers running through the strands, shoulders rising with tension.
"First we're given a mission to exterminate Worms, and then you end up in this mess with the Butterflies. Honestly…"
"Ari, I'll help with whatever you need, but… must we take part in combat?"
Isla pressed a hand lightly to her chest, shoulders tensing as she looked at him.
"The reason I called all of you here concerns the mission I'm currently on."
Ari's gaze swept over the group. Nova stiffened and looked away, cheeks coloring slightly.
"Your only objective is to retrieve a hidden flower called the Moonveil Blossom at all costs. This flower holds the power to overthrow entire regions, so in the wrong hands it could endanger the colony."
"I'm flattered that you believe in my capabilities."
Lily's shoulders lifted slightly, a small, proud smile tugging at her lips.
I know she's capable… but can't she take this seriously?
Rory's shoulders stiffened, and he exhaled slowly through his nose. His eyes darted briefly toward Lily, irritation pressing against his calm posture.
"I see… so if we locate this flower, we'll gain the upper hand against the Moths."
Beatrice's stance remained steady, one foot shifting slightly as she processed the information.
"Yes…"
Though I hope Brooks's intuition is right…
Ari leaned back slightly, eyes tracing the ceiling above. His fingers drummed lightly against the bedframe, mind turning over the mission and the stakes ahead.